Favorite Local Wine Bar

I’m back with American Express today highlighting another one of my favorite local spots here in Connecticut! As I’ve mentioned before, I live just minutes away from some of the best dining, bars and shopping in West Hartford and try to take advantage of living in such a great town as much as possible! As part of the American Express #ShopSmall for 2X Rewards campaign I’ve been participating in over the last month, I’m highlighting a favorite local date night spot that Raj and I frequent and sharing some favorites off their current menu!

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Vinted is located in Blue Back Square, an adorable little area of my town with great shopping and restaurants. We love coming here for weekend lunches, a mid-week happy hour and dinner date-night, and love their ever-changing eclectic menu and amazing wine selection. The decor is modern, yet cozy, with a gorgeous marble bar that wraps around most of the restaurant. If we’re lucky enough to get a table (this place is usually packed), we love snagging one of the high top tables in the bar or the coveted window seats when we have a larger group. We also love to sit at the bar for happy hour and wine tasting — where they have about 60 wines available to drink by the glass! If you’re a wine buff like my husband, you’ll totally understand how cool that is! You can taste virtually any wine they have in house and can order a 1-ounce taste, 3-ounce half glass, or 6-ounce full glass without having to commit to an entire bottle with the help of their wine preserving machines they keep all the wine in. It’s perfect when you aren’t sure if you like a wine or not and want to give something expensive a try, or when you aren’t drinking the same kind of wine —I’m currently on a white wine only kick, while Raj only drinks red. The food is also out of this world and it’s so fun to try all the different small plates that Chef Michael Presnal comes up with! The menu changes seasonally, but right now, we’re loving the delicious tuna tartare and kale salad (I added scallops to mine) and make sure to order the risotto balls – a signature they’re known for!

As an American Express Card holder (my favorite is the Blue Cash Everyday Card), I can now earn more rewards by shopping, dining and entertaining at my favorite small merchants now through December 31st! *You must enroll your eligible American Express Card HERE to begin earning 2X rewards on purchases at qualifying small merchants now through December 31st.